Lieberman To Plea On Charge She Interfered With Election

LAUDERHILL -- Lauderhill City Council president Ilene Lieberman will enter a plea Thursday in Broward County Court on a charge of interfering with the March election.

Her plea is scheduled to be entered before County Court Judge Susan Lebow at 1 p.m. at the county courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Lieberman could appear in person or enter a written plea, Broward County Assistant State Attorney Ed Pyers said.

The first-degree misdemeanor charge was filed against Lieberman after a Broward County grand jury indicted her on July 16. She has declined to comment on the charge or the complaint that led to the charge.

Lieberman is accused by political opponent Herb Franklin of threatening to block a businessman`s parking variance unless the man removed Franklin`s campaign banner from its prominent location at his business before the March election.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of a one-year jail sentence and a $1,000 fine. Lieberman also could be suspended from office by Gov. Bob Graham until after her trial. Graham took Lieberman`s case under consideration July 25 and has not released a decision.

Lieberman is serving her second, two-year term on the council. She received more votes than any other council candidate in both elections.